A Celtic Rock Band? Only Sometimes

A Celtic Rock Band? Only Sometimes

Article excerpt

Byline: LISA KOHLBRENNER, The Times-Union

Not many bands incorporate the sounds of mandolin or bouzouki in their music, but not many bands have a sound quite like Carbon Leaf. The Virginia-based quintet has been playing its hybrid of Celtic roots rock along the East Coast since the mid-1990s.

"People kept saying we were a Celtic rock band," singer (and penny whistler) Barry Privett said. "There was definitely some of that on the last couple of albums and even in some of our new songs. But we were gravitating toward other ideas. Our strongest songs felt a lot fresher to us because we sensed that the time had come for us to explore."

The combo also includes guitarist Terry Clark, bassist Jordan Medas, Carter Gravatt on mandolins and more and drummer Scott Milstead. Their music combines elements of rock, Celtic, bluegrass and pop.

After years as an indie band, they recently signed with Vanguard Records and released a sixth album, Indian Summer, in July. …